Arrested for DUI? You should probably speak to a Denver DUI lawyer.
Here’s why:
Can you imagine how you would feel if you suddenly lost your job, your professional license, and your freedom? Unfortunately, this is the harsh reality that you could face if you are convicted of a DUI. If you are arrested for DUI, you cannot afford to put off hiring an experienced Denver DUI lawyer to help you achieve the best possible outcome in court.
Below are three sobering reasons you need a good Denver DUI lawyer in the next seven days.
Reason #1: You may lose your professional license if you are convicted of DUI
If you are a lawyer, commercial driver, or nurse, you could lose your professional license due to a DUI conviction. For example, being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) is considered a major violation under Colorado Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Rules. Your CDL could be suspended for at least a year. And if this is your second DUI offense, you could face lifetime loss of your license.
Drivers, nurses, and attorneys are not the only licensed professionals whose jobs license be at risk due to a DUI charge. Mental health professionals, engineers, and other health care specialists could be at risk. Here are some of the other types of licensed professionals in the state of Colorado who may face revocation of their license without a successful DUI defense:
- Physical Therapists
- Psychologists
- Social Workers
- Professional Engineers
- Architects
- Podiatrists
- Veterinarians
Regardless of your profession, many applications for employment require you to disclose any misdemeanors or felony convictions. For example, the Colorado Department of Education requires job applicants to disclose relevant issues pertaining to their criminal history and licensure history. While a past problem may not result in automatic disqualification, it is certainly not helpful to have a DUI conviction on your record.
Reason #2: Losing your license could cause you to lose your job
Losing your professional license is grounds for firing within many Colorado industries. Even if you are not fired, you may have a difficult time securing another position with your employer due to your blemished track record of safely operating motor vehicles. Finally, getting to work on time may prove to be a greater challenge than you imagined, as you would have to secure a ride or rely on public transportation until your license is reinstated.
Licensed professionals are not the only workers at risk for losing their jobs if convicted of drunk driving. In fact, a DUI charge could prompt your employer to suddenly fire you and they would not even be obligated to explain their reasoning for terminating you. This is because Colorado follows the legal doctrine of “Employment-At-Will”, giving employers the right to terminate employees without advance notice.
Reason #3: You will go to jail if you are convicted of DUI
You could spend 5 days to one year in jail if you are convicted of DUI. While you are in jail, you will be unable to work and earn a paycheck. This can lead to financial strain and gaps in your employment history that can be unattractive to prospective employers. So unless you have a very understanding boss and significant vacation time accumulated, you may find yourself without a job – no matter how many years of experience you have.
Fortunately, Colorado’s best defense lawyers can help you avoid jail time by preparing a good DUI defense for you. Whether your blood alcohol content was barely .08 or over .15, your chances of avoiding jail time will increase if you seek legal representation. By specializing in DUI cases day in and day out since completing law school, an accomplished Denver DUI lawyer will know which path to take to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Seek a Skilled DUI Lawyer Right Away to Avoid These Pitfalls
No matter what reason resonates the most, the reality is that you only have 7 days to request an administrative review hearing with the DMV. If you don’t, your license may be automatically suspended.
As described above, DUI laws in Colorado are unforgiving for people charged with driving under the influence. The consequences of a DUI conviction go well beyond jail time. If you do not act quickly, you could find yourself without a job, without your professional license, and behind bars.
The key to avoiding these painful consequences is to hire an experienced DUI lawyer right away. You only have seven days to request your DMV hearing, allowing you little time to mount a proper defense. With so little time to request your hearing, it is wise not to attempt to navigate complex DUI laws on your own.
By hiring an attorney specializing in DUI, you can take comfort knowing that an experienced legal professional is handling your case. They will screen for any police mistakes that may result in your case being dismissed and help to get your charges dropped. Once your court proceedings are completed, you can move past your DUI case and enjoy a restful night at home in your own bed. Most importantly, you will not face the stress of job loss or a decade-long blemish on your record.
Ready to speak with a Denver DUI Lawyer? Get in touch right here.
